La Cigale French Market

I went to the Parnell French markets last weekend and the food was absolutely amazing. There's a lovely gift store with lots of beautiful French gifts.  There was lots of variety with the food and a really cool vibe. I would highly recommend this to others. I would go back there - mainly for the food as it was FANTASTIC!

Cash up before heading down to the Farmer's Market.  There is eftpos available but quite often the queues are long and you're much better to use your time perusing the food stuffs. From organic seedlings (mmm dill) to buffalo mozzarella there is something for any food lover.  Inside La Cigale you can eat, drink and be merry French style.  The coffee is good though I do think it could be a little stronger.  The cheese counter is divine and you cannot go past the freshly baked baguettes.  On one counter you can buy exquisite pastries - custard slice, tarts, doughnuts, eclairs... on another are yummy hot treats - pork belly sandwiches made fresh, pizza, croque monsier, hot rolls...anything you could think of wanting to eat at 9 in the morning is there. It is constantly busy so you do need to put up with a lack of personal space - part of the fun on going to a market in my opinion - and waits can be fairly long.  Take a book or a friend to chat away the time.

For the last year or so, I have been to La Cigale market almost every weekend without fail. Usually on a Sunday, when I've slept in a bit (the market is open until an unusually late 1.30pm) and am ready for some tasty treats and the perusing of stalls. First stop is always the coffee place in the centre, though it is difficult not to get sidetracked on the way by the produce on offer. While always busy, it is usually still possible to wrangle a spot on one of the large communal tables, even if it sometimes means sitting awkwardly close to another group. But it is a small price to pay really - you're all there because you share a passion for good food! My most recent obsession is the spinach and feta pie from one of the stallholders, though I often also fall for the caramelised onion and anchovy slice from the aforementioned coffee place. Contrinuing the caramelised onion theme, the bread with said topping from the bread place (none of them seem to have names!) is also divine, as are the small ciabatta rolls, and a bargain when you buy a baker's dozen. The micro-greens from the Asian vege stall near the entrance are making an appearance in many a dish at my place. I was recently told by one of the chefs from La Cigale that the secret of the chicken pate is about 75% whipped duck fat, so I may be following a more moderated approach to its pleasures from now on. I do miss the 'orchid guy', who forced a very cut-price plant on me one day when I proclaimed to be an orchid-killer with no luck in keeping them alive. It is still thriving, and I'd like to tell him. All in all, this is the perfect Sunday outing, and a tradition that I for one will be continuing.

I love that you can food shop while carrying around a crepe and coffee. Also the only place I have found that has fresh dolmades, which are the best!

I am a massive fan of a good market and as this one specializes in French fare I am always sure to leave with a full, happy belly.  The Parnell French Farmers market has an extensive selection of fresh vegetables, dips, cheeses, breads, crepes, sausages and much more.  There is also a seated area where you can order a full meal.  My only wish is that it would stay open later.

This is the best market I have been to in Auckland, based on the quality of the food. It reminds me of a mini version of the Borough Market in London. Lots of the sellers allow you to try samples of their foods and I cant remember ever trying anything I didn't love. My favourite stand though is the Turkish stand where they have a big selection of different types of hummus to try. I never leave the market without stocking up on their hummus and breads. There is also a stand that does some tasty Serbian sausages. Although the food isnt exactly cheap you definitely get quality compared to what you see at other markets.

I admit to being a regular French market goer, it's a great place to pop into at the weekend (Saturday or Sunday) to grab a bite of breakfast, a coffee, and pick up some treats for the weekend.   There's some lovely produce from a wide range of gourmet providers, but it's not too expensive, and in fact it's cheaper to pick up some stuff here than sit down and eat in the average cafe.  And there's a wide range of stuff to try.  I'd really recommend it to anyone who likes to east and drink well, and likes a little variety in what they try.  

The farmers market at la cigale is fantastic. They have a great range of suppliers selling their wares. As you’d expect there is lots to taste and try and a lot of stuff you wouldn’t be able to get elsewhere. The parking can be a bit tough. If you are ok to walk is suggest you grab a park out on St Georges Bay Rd.

You can’t go wrong with fresh produce, great coffee, yummy French pastries and cheese tastings. What’s not to love?